Is the Universal Church Biblical? A Historical and Scriptural Refutation

For many modern Christians, the concept of a “universal church” is a given—but is it actually biblical? In this episode of the Truthwatchers Podcast, we examine the true meaning of the word ekklesia, explore how the early church used it, and uncover how the idea of a mystical, invisible, universal church crept into theology. We’ll also look at how misunderstandings around this concept shaped Catholic hierarchy and even influenced the Protestant Reformers. Using scriptural clarity and historical precision, we restore the Bible’s teaching on the local, visible assembly—the only church the New Testament actually describes.